Multi-dimensional damage detection

Abstract

Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

We claim: 
     
       1. An apparatus comprising:
 a panel including a plurality of detection layers, each detection layer including a substrate and a plurality of conductive traces coupled to the substrate, each detection layer separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers, wherein the plurality of detection layers form a grid of conductive traces and wherein each detection layer includes one or more known defect traces, and wherein the panel has a trace continuity signature that is defined by the known defect traces of the detection layers in the panel; and 
 a monitor coupled to the grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the panel in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein conductive traces of successive detection layers are substantially perpendicular to one another. 
     
     
       3. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the grid has a non-uniform resolution. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the monitor is configured to selectively deactivate one or more of the plurality of detection layers or sensing lines based on a depth detection parameter. 
     
     
       5. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the monitor is configured to generate one or more of a diagnostic output and a prognostic output based on the electrical property change. 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a circuit substrate coupled to an outside layer of the panel. 
     
     
       7. The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the circuit substrate includes a plurality of inside conductive pads and a plurality of outside conductive pads disposed adjacent to a perimeter of the panel, and wherein the plurality of inside conductive pads and the plurality of outside conductive pads are electrically connected to the grid. 
     
     
       8. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system uses one or more script files to facilitate detection of the damage. 
     
     
       9. The apparatus of  claim 1 , further including a compression ring that biases the panel against the circuit board.